(334d) Bacteria Containment in Filtration

Drinking water systems contain a range of planktonic bacteria and bacterial communities that are most stable in the filtration system. Filters can have a negative impact if potential pathogens escape into distribution systems and contribute to infrastructure decay due to corrosion. Previous studies have determined that drinking water biofilms, especially those in biologically active sand filers, are stable communities that are able to persist the fluctuations in the source water community, and to develop resistance to disinfectants commonly used in drinking water. Focusing on the understanding of how bacteria biofilms can be contained further in filters by varying the filter material, and mechanical aspects of water. The effects of varying filter media and varying flow rates on bacteria biofilms by running trials in a plug flow reactor were measured.